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UC Davis Uncovers Boiling Ocean Beneath Saturn's Moon Mimas

11/28/2025

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Summary

Story summary

University of California, Davis (UC Davis) researchers report that Saturn's moon Mimas may harbor a boiling ocean beneath its icy surface.
They found that ice melts from below, pressure drops enough for water to boil at low temperatures without fracturing the shell.
The finding implies Mimas can appear geologically dead while concealing a liquid ocean.
The study also suggests similar processes could explain features of icy moons, such as Miranda.

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Story summary

University of California, Davis (UC Davis) researchers report that Saturn's moon Mimas may harbor a boiling ocean beneath its icy surface.
They found that ice melts from below, pressure drops enough for water to boil at low temperatures without fracturing the shell.
The finding implies Mimas can appear geologically dead while concealing a liquid ocean.
The study also suggests similar processes could explain features of icy moons, such as Miranda.